CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Marines on Okinawa will participate in a force-protection exercise Monday through Friday.

The annual exercise is designed to practice procedures for protecting personnel and facilities and responding to natural or man-made disasters, according to Marine Corps public affairs.

Participants in the exercise include servicemembers from Marine Corps bases, Torii Station, the White Beach Naval Facility and other Department of Defense agencies.

During the exercise, there will be some unscheduled gate closures and increased security measures on all Marine installations.

Scholarships available

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — The Marine Officers’ Spouses’ Club of Okinawa is accepting applications for academic merit scholarships for children of active-duty and retired Marines living on Okinawa.

The awards can be used for full-time undergraduate studies. Children must fall under the status of forces agreement.

Applications are available at the Marine Gift Shop and Kubasaki and Kadena high schools or by e-mailing: okinawamosc@yahoo.com.

Completed packets must be submitted by April 9.

Blood drives planned

CAMP LESTER, Okinawa — The Armed Services Blood Bank Center has scheduled two blood drives on Okinawa.

The first blood drive will be held on Kadena Air Base on March 29 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the 18th Medical Group clinic.

The second drive is scheduled for Camp Hansen on March 31 from 8 a.m. to noon in Building 2820.

To ensure a blood drive has not been canceled or rescheduled call the Armed Services Blood Bank Center at DSN 643-7737.

For more information, or to schedule a blood drive for your command, call C. Tracy Parmer, blood donor recruiter, at DSN 643-7710 or send an e-mail to parmerct@oki10.med.navy.mil.

Blender recall

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — A blender sold by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service is being recalled due to faulty blades, AAFES announced Wednesday.

Applica Consumer Products is recalling the Black & Decker brand ProBlend Blender, Models # BL5000, BL5900 and BL6000. AAFES sold the BL5000 model in 2004 for $39.95.

Call (800) 385-6686 or register for the recall online.

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